ONE of Coventry's biggest parishes is celebrating its 75th anniversary today by publishing a new book about its history.

Christ the King Catholic Church celebrated its first mass at a home in Barkers Butts Lane, Coundon, in July, 1932, before moving to its temporary base in a rented room at the Rialto Cinema in nearby Moseley Avenue.

From these humble beginnings the church, now based in Westhill Road, Coundon, has blossomed into one of the city's most successful parishes.

The church attracts more than 1,700 worshippers for mass every week and boasts three schools, 26 junior and adult football teams and its own indoor sports centre.

The growth is charted in the new history of Christ the King, which has been written by congregation member Freda Lambert.

"I had already written a previous history of the church for our 50th anniversary," said Freda, a 73-year-old retired history teacher of Bonneville Close, Millisons Wood, near Meriden.

"When it was suggested I update it, I was happy to do so because I am a historian by training and I especially enjoy local history."

Freda compiled her history from old records, booklets, bulletins and newsletters as well as speaking to parishioners.

The book recalls how the congregation met in its original wooden church throughout the Second World War and the next three decades until the parish raised enough money to build a permanent home in 1972.

Christ the King's 75th anniversary celebrations will culminate at 7pm tonight in a ceremony led by Bishop William Kenney.

It will be followed by a reception in Christ the King Community Centre and an exhibition of photographs of the church's history. Parish priest Father Tom Farrell said: "We are looking forward to the future and the opportunity to build on what we have already got."

Copies of Freda's book, The History of Christ the King and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, are available from the church in Westhill Road and cost £2.50.